Secrets of Southwest China (Yunnan & Sichuan)

Fly to the relaxed city of Kunming. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Spend the morning meandering through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. Return to Kunming and in the evening, sample the local delicacy, Across the Bridge Noodles. Tonight, there is also the option to see a colourful showcase of Yunnan's performing arts.

Travel to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek at the China of times-gone-by. Begin your tour by exploring the fascinating old quarter and lively market to soak up the local atmosphere. Next, visit the age-old Three Pagodas and later this evening, take a stroll down Foreigners' Street.

Spend the morning cruising the mirror-like waters of Erhai Lake, admiring the spectacular scenery provided by the Cang Mountains. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore the area.

This morning, explore Xizhou Village, where you can mingle with traditionally-dressed Naxi women, and browse its lively local market. Drive to Lijiang, set in the foothills of the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit the Black Dragon Pool, where there are wonderful views of the mountains.

A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the beautiful high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha old town to view the fascinating frescoes painted during the Ming Dynasty followed by a visit to the Embroidery School.

Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow capped mountains, it is one of China's most extraordinary sights with spectacular and breathtaking views. Return to Lijiang and explore the old quarter; the quintessential Chinese 'old town' and wander the jumble of cobbled streets, traditional wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges.

Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. In the evening, wander the night food markets with your local guide on hand to recommend the most delicious Sichuanese snacks!

Travel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha. The 71-metre Buddha is carved into a hillside overlooking the confluence of the Dadu and Min rivers. Completed in the year 803, it is said that the Buddha's presence has calmed the turbulent waters of the river. A short boat trip will give you an even better perspective. Later, continue to Mount Emei, or Emeishan, the cradle of the Buddhist religion in China with the first temple built on its peak in the 1st century.

Take a cable car to the summit and admire the striking and diverse natural beauty of the mountain and surrounding landscape. Spend the day soaking up the ambience and exploring.

Transfer to Chengdu for your bullet train to Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou National Park).

Considered to be one of China's most beautiful areas, the newly reopened Nine Villages Valley is a pristine national park renowned for its rugged peaks, sapphire lakes, abundant forests, and cascading waterfalls. This natural wonder, named after nine scattered Tibetan settlements, is a World Biosphere Reserve, home to unique flora and a diverse bird population. Enjoy the day exploring in awe and serenity.

Travel to Huanglong Valley, where hundreds of vivid pools in striking colours, formed by thousands of years of mineral deposit, tumble gently down through the bright green forests. The whole area is full of spectacular sights and, as it is relatively undiscovered, is a pleasure to explore. Visit Huanglong Temple before your bullet train to Chengdu.

Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears. Later, stroll through People's Park, visit traditional teahouse and see Matchmaker's Corner where parents search for worthy suitors for their children. This evening, dine on mouthwatering Sichuanese cuisine.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.